Breadcrumb

First Ladies Centennial exhibit at the Public Vaults

March 16 through January 1, 2013

Washington, DC…The National Archives continues its 2012 commemoration of the 100th birthdays of First Ladies Pat Nixon (March 16), and Lady Bird Johnson (December 22), with the concluding installment of a display of rarely seen documents, photographs, and objects that pertain to the initiatives they pursued while in the White House. In addition, DocsTeach, the Archives’ online teaching tool, features new teaching activities on both First Ladies.

Display
The final installment of the display presents Mrs. Johnson’s efforts to provide access to early intervention programs in schools as well as to preserve our cities and parks for generations to enjoy. Visitors will also gain insight in to Mrs. Nixon’s strong belief in international diplomacy and her efforts to make the White House more readily accessible to all.

The materials on exhibit are courtesy of Julie Nixon Eisenhower, the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, and the Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library and Museum.

The special one-case display can be viewed through January 1, 2013 within the Public Vaults exhibit in the National Archives Building in Washington, DC, located on Constitution Avenue, between 7th and 9th Streets, NW. Admission to the museum is free. Fall and Winter hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Open daily, except Thanksgiving Day and December 25.

Highlights of the display include:

the Peruvian government’s highest distinction “The Grand Cross of the Order of the Sun” recognizing Mrs. Nixon’s personal organization of relief efforts following Peru’s devastating earthquake in 1970;

a White House Garden Tour brochure, a tradition that Mrs. Nixon started while in the White House in 1972;

a photograph of Mrs. Johnson visiting a Head Start classroom in 1965;

a ceremonial garden trowel used by Mrs. Johnson (1965-1967).

Online Teaching Activities
Educators now have access to two featured online teaching activities created in celebration of Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Nixon and their contributions during their time in the White House. To access the online activities, visit: Mrs. Johnson [docsteach.org/activities/11756] and Mrs. Nixon [docsteach.org/activities/12033].

Background
Throughout 2012, the National Archives is featuring programs in celebration of the centennials of Mrs. Nixon and Mrs. Johnson. This special programming includes teacher/student outreach, social media initiatives, and special programs and exhibits at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. as well as both the Richard Nixon and Lyndon Baines Johnson Libraries.

Visit the First Ladies Centennial web page, [www.archives.gov/presidential-libraries/events/first-ladies-centennial/]
Location: National Archives Building in Washington, DC.